Thesis
The relationship between identity economics and subjective well-being: empirical evidence from the rural mountain west
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103540
Abstract
This research study aims to identify whether or not an empirical relationship exists between subjective well-being (SWB) and identity variables based on the theory of identity economics. I apply the theoretical concepts of identity economics, social norms and subjective well-being to existing gender norms and occupational genderfication. The rural Mountain West region has undergone intense diversification from a focus on extractive industry jobs into service, health, education, and high-tech employment sectors. By using identity variables in the empirical analysis, we can better understand how changes to tradition and continuity affect people's perception of SWB. This research is measures the extent to which males and females in rural Mountain West communities' raise or lower their levels of SWB based on identity factors. Ordered logit models using original data gathered from rural communities in the Mountain West region were used to conduct the empirical analysis estimating the relationship between identity variables and SWB. Traditional identity variables: gender, level of educational attainment, and income are included in the model. Additionally, I explore two contemporary indicators of identity: length of residency and employment in an occupation dominated by the opposite gender. I found that the length of residency and employment in an industry dominated by the opposite gender have the strongest influence on SWB for working residents of the rural Mountain West. Long-term residents of the region report lower levels of SWB than newcomers. Results also show that, in general, employment in an occupation dominated by the other gender has a positive association with an individual's level of SWB, but males employed in female dominated occupations report lower levels of SWB compared to women employed in male-dominated jobs. Two-year education level has a positive association with SWB. Two-year education was the only education level to have an effect on SWB. This information is pertinent to rural community developers in improving gender workplace diversity, as individual's well-being is affected by the gender norms imposed on occupations. This research extends our understanding about identity and SWB and explains the effect gendered occupations have on rural residents.
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Details
- Title
- The relationship between identity economics and subjective well-being
- Creators
- Maria de Guadalupe Carrillo
- Contributors
- Vicki A. McCracken (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Economic Sciences, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525176301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis